Pupule ballot: Kamehameha drops; Kauai, Moanalua rise

Kamehameha’s loss to ‘Iolani by a substantial margin (15 points) led to a major shuffle among the top five in the Star-Advertiser Girls Basketball Top 10 this week.

Here’s how I voted in the poll, along with my list of Top 35 teams regardless of classification. (All win-loss records as of Saturday, Jan. 13.)

Pupule BKG Top 10
01/14/18
1. Maryknoll Spartans (22-2, 8-0 ILH)
2. St. Francis Saints (20-0, 12-0 ILH D-II)
3. Lahainaluna Lunas (19-4, 10-0 MIL D-I)
4. Konawaena Wildcats (20-2, 8-0 BIIF)
5. ‘Iolani Raiders (13-6, 7-2 ILH)
6. Kamehameha Warriors (15-4, 6-3 ILH)
7. Hawaii Baptist Eagles (20-5, 11-1 ILH D-II)
8. Waiakea Warriors (13-7, 6-2 BIIF)
9. Mililani Trojans (13-7, 10-0 OIA West)
10. Hilo Vikings (12-4, 8-1 BIIF)

Team-by-team summaries
1. Maryknoll Spartans (22-2, 8-0 ILH)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 1.
Last week’s games
W 45-36 @ #2 Kamehameha 01/11 ILH
W 60-26 Punahou 01/13 ILH
Vs. Top 10: 16-2.
Top 10 wins: Lahainaluna, Konawaena, Waiakea, @ Mid-Pacific, @ Punahou, Miramonte (Calif.), Oregon City (Ore.), Kamehameha, Buckeye Union (Ariz.), Marlborough (Calif.), Campbell County, @ ‘Iolani, Sacred Hearts, Mid-Pacific, @ Kamehameha, Punahou
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Southridge (Ore.), Post Falls (Idaho).

Skinny: No local team has scored more than 45 points in a game against the Lady Spartans. In ILH play, opponents have scored the following totals: 34, 25, 38, 36, 31, 44, 36 and 26. Zoning against Maryknoll’s offense is often the best option, but as the season nears playoff time, the Spartans have become more and more efficient with ball movement. The only question is how long they can flourish without shooting lights out. It’s basically their defense that carries them. Hey, that usually wins championships.

Sumo rank: Yokozuna. Hakuho? Not quite, but the winning percentage of this program over the past four seasons is something to behold.

2. St. Francis Saints (20-0, 12-0 ILH D-II)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 2.
Last week’s games: None.
W 60-23 University 01/10 ILH D-II
Vs. Top 10: 3-0.
Top 10 wins: Sacred Hearts. Punahou, Hawaii Baptist.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): None.

Skinny: Again, it would please this pupule to see the Saints play any and all of the ILH Division I teams they haven’t met yet. There are unbeaten (or near unbeaten) teams that have either walloped most competition like St. Francis, or barely eked out wins (like Christian Academy). Both are tremendous stories.

Sumo rank: Ozeki. I don’t know if the Saints wanted more D-I elite competition or not. Maybe they were shunned by the powerhouses. Maybe they didn’t bother scheduling them for preseason games. But three games and three wins over Top 10 teams — with no losses — make a pretty good case for Yokozuna status.

3. Lahainaluna Lunas (19-4, 10-0 MIL D-I)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 4.
Last week’s games
Vs. Top 10: 2-4.
W 53-29 @ Kamehameha-Maui 01/13 MIL
Top 10 wins: Kamehameha, @ Konawaena.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): ‘Iolani, Maryknoll, Punahou, Campbell.

Skinny: The streak is now 148 wins in a row (or so) in MIL play with Maui coming to the Civic on Thursday. The same Maui team that forfeited to Lahainaluna on Dec. 27 because of the winter ball. Because we all know that spending $500 for a fake wedding is far more memorable than losing big to the MIL’s most dedicated and dominant team.

Sumo rank: Yokozuna.

4. Konawaena Wildcats (20-2, 8-0 BIIF)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 5.
Last week’s games
W 38-35 #7 Waiakea 01/10 BIIF
W 64-24 @ Honokaa 01/12 BIIF
Vs. Top 10: 6-2.
Top 10 wins: Sacred Hearts, ‘Iolani, ‘Iolani, Mid-Pacific, Campbell, Waiakea.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Maryknoll, Lahainaluna.

Skinny: The word I’d heard is that the Wildcats were coming around in a big way, that Caiyle Kaupu was starting to assert her will on opposing posts. Then this happens. A team with nobody over 5-foot-7 (Waiakea) nearly beats Konawaena at Onizuka Gymnasium. The marathon continues. Lahainaluna gets the edge over Konawaena by virtue of a 44-42 double-OT win at Konawaena on Dec. 2.

Sumo rank: Yokozuna.

5. ‘Iolani Raiders (13-6, 7-2 ILH)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 6.
Last week’s games
W 60-45 @ #2 Kamehameha 01/09 ILH
W 69-37 Punahou 01/12 ILH
W 60-47 Sacred Hearts 01/13 ILH
Vs. Top 10: 9-6.
Top 10 wins: Lahainaluna, @ Waiakea, @ Mid-Pacific, @ Punahou, @ Sacred Hearts, Mid-Pacific, @ Kamehameha, Punahou, Sacred Hearts.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Konawaena, Konawaena, Oregon City (Ore.), Naha Senior (Okinawa), Kamehameha, Maryknoll.

Skinny: A huge challenge turned into a huge success last week as the Raiders not only went 3-0, but won each game with conviction. Tori Maeda is having a great season. The return of Taylor Wu is a major plus for ‘Iolani. She may not score 20 points every night, but in a system that requires high IQ at high speed, she is a perfect fit. Not to mention that she did score 18 in the playoff game at Kamehameha last season, a clutch performance that some of us have not forgotten. The Raiders lost that night with an active roster of just six players, but that set the tone. Right now, they might be playing the best basketball in the state among all teams not named Maryknoll.

6. Kamehameha Warriors (15-4, 6-3 ILH)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 2.
Last week’s games: None.
L 60-45 #5 ‘Iolani 01/09 ILH
L 45-36 #1 Maryknoll 01/11 ILH
W 54-30 @ Mid-Pacific 01/13 ILH
Vs. Top 10: 9-2.
Top 10 wins: Waiakea, Sacred Hearts, @ Punahou, @ ‘Iolani, @ Sacred Hearts, Mid-Pacific, ‘Iolani, Maryknoll, @ Mid-Pacific.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Lahainaluna, @ Maryknoll.

Skinny: Despite the losses, the Warriors aren’t a team in decline. They’re good enough to dominate the OIA and contend in every league. The problem is this: the accumulation of injuries to Jewel Paaluhi-Caulk, Kiana Vierra, then Kalina Obrey (twice) added up. All three are fairly healthy and back on the court, but in the meantime, teams like ‘Iolani, Maryknoll, etc. have been relatively healthy and used that time to build better chemistry and timing. Time is irreplaceable. While other teams evolve and improve, Kamehameha lost a lot of reps as a team during those injuries. An uncontrollable factor. The good news is that the opportunity to win a state-tournament berth is within reach.

Sumo rank: Yokozuna.

7. Hawaii Baptist Eagles (20-5, 11-1 ILH D-II)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 7.
Last week’s games
W 56-32 Kamehameha II 01/10 ILH D-II
W 65-24 Hanalani 01/12 ILH D-II
Vs. Top 10: 2-4.
Top 10 wins: @ Campbell, @ Sacred Hearts.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Kamehameha-Hawaii*, @ ‘Iolani, Sacred Hearts, Kamehameha, St. Francis.

Skinny: The eye test doesn’t work with this team. One look and it would seem a team with hardly any height would get rolled by any of the D-I powerhouses. But that hasn’t been the case. They lost by 12 at ‘Iolani in late November. Split games at Sacred Hearts. Lost to Kamehameha by eight in a very close game. Nobody’s really been able to bury the Eagles, and in D-II play, they have dominated just about everybody, as they should.

Sumo rank: Ozeki. Promotion earned.

8. Waiakea Warriors (13-7, 6-2 BIIF)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 9.
Last week’s games
L 38-35 @ #3 Konawaena 01/10 BIIF
L 41-39 @ Hilo 01/12 BIIF
Vs. Top 10: 1-5.
Top 10 wins: @ Sacred Hearts.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Mid-Pacific, ‘Iolani, @ Maryknoll, Kamehameha, Konawaena, Hilo*.

Skinny: Driving 112 miles from Waiakea to Konawaena and then nearly beating the defending state champions on their court is a huge accomplishment. That road trip is a 6-12 point swing, easily, in basketball and football. Especially on a school day/night. Then the Warriors faced a very good Hilo team two days later. I don’t know if Waiakea’s coaches wanted the play this schedule in this order. Maybe Hilo first and Konawaena second would’ve been better. Maybe not. Either way, though, the loss to Hilo says more about Hilo than Waiakea.

Sumo rank: Komusubi. This team could pull out the unthinkable and win the BIIF and challenge for a state title. But at some point, even as young as they are (no seniors, just four juniors), the Warriors must start beating Top 10 teams. My hunch is that they will.

9. Mililani Trojans (13-7, 10-0 OIA West)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 10.
Last week’s games
W 38-19 Nanakuli 01/09 OIA
Vs. Top 10: 1-6.
Top 10 wins: @ Campbell.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): @ Maryknoll, Maryknoll, Mid-Pacific, @ Waiakea, Konawaena, Hawaii Baptist, Kamehameha-Maui*.

Skinny: The Trojans jumped 13 spots on my list last week. They finished the OIA West season unbeaten. Now it’s playoff time and we’ll see soon enough exactly how they’ll fare against a host of OIA East teams that are competitive. Most of the East is in the 13-25 range on my list.

Sumo rank: Komusubi.

10. Hilo Vikings (12-4, 8-1 BIIF)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 11.
Last week’s games
W 73-12 @ Kealakehe 01/10 BIIF
W 41-39 #7 Waiakea 01/12 BIIF
Vs. Top 10: 2-4.
Top 10 wins: Mid-Pacific, Waiakea.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Mililani*, ‘Iolani, Konawaena, Waiakea.

Skinny: A clutch win for the Lady Vikings over Waiakea. Next up: road game at Kamehameha-Hawaii on Wednesday.

Sumo rank: Komusubi.

11. Sacred Hearts Lancers (11-10, 3-6 ILH)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 9.
Last week’s games
W 68-64 @ Mid-Pacific 01/11 ILH
L 60-47 @ #5 ‘Iolani 01/13 ILH
Vs. Top 10: 3-10.
Top 10 wins: Mid-Pacific, @ Punahou, Mid-Pacific.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Konawaena, St. Francis, Hawaii Baptist, Waiakea, @ Kamehameha, Kamehameha, ‘Iolani, Punahou, @ Maryknoll, @ ‘Iolani.

Skinny: One of the best things about the Lancers is that they are relatively young. Dallas Martinez has been as stellar as expected and she’s just a junior. What also separates SHA, which was in the Star-Advertiser Top 10 every week until last week, from the ILH’s best teams is depth. If the Lancers develop two or three more players to elite level, the 2018-19 season will be quite fascinating in the ILH. Maryknoll will graduate, arguably, its best girls basketball senior class in school history. ‘Iolani will lose its two key seniors. Kamehameha loses two talented seniors. Punahou and Mid-Pacific loses some key contributors, but will return most of their talent. It might be wide, wide open and Sacred Hearts will lose seven seniors — while Martinez, Te‘Hiwa Medeiros and other underclassmen return.

Sumo rank: Sekiwake.

12. Kauai Red Raiders (10-1, 7-0 KIF)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 20.
Last week’s games
W 36-24 @ Kapaa 01/09 KIF
W 53-34 @ Waimea 01/12 KIF
Vs. Top 10: 0-1.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): @ St. Francis.

Skinny: One of the best things about this time of year is that the puzzle starts to solve itself. Kauai was a difficult read all season because of the limited preseason slate. But after going 7-0 in league play, separating more and more from the competition, that lone loss to St. Francis is more telling. The Saints have beaten some solid teams by much more than 13 points, so what Kauai did on that road trip — beating ‘Iolani II by 11 and Punahou II by nine — carries more weight now. They also beat Seabury Hall by 14. If Kauai wins the KIF title, there will be prime opportunity at the D-II state tourney.

Sumo rank: Komusubi. Promotion earned.

13. Moanalua Na Menehune (13-9, 7-3 OIA East)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 21.
Last week’s games
W 60-55 @ Kalani 01/09 OIA
Vs. Top 10: 4-4.
Top 10 wins: Mid-Pacific, Kalani, Kahuku, @ Kalani.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Punahou, Mililani*, @ Sacred Hearts, St. Francis, Lahainaluna, Hilo*, McKinley*, @ Kaimuki*, @ Roosevelt*, Kahuku, @ Kalani.

Skinny: After all the ups and downs, Na Menehune are in a good place right now. Tonight’s matchup with Kapolei is an elimination playoff. Winner advances to play at Radford on Wednesday and the loser is done for the season.

Sumo rank: Komusubi. Promotion time.

14. Kalani Falcons (11-8, 8-2 OIA East)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 19.
Last week’s games
L 60-55 Moanalua 01/09 OIA
Vs. Top 10: 0-6.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Maryknoll, Kamehameha, Punahou, Southridge (Ore.), Miramonte (Calif.), ‘Iolani, Kahuku*, Moanalua.

Skinny: The Lady Falcons earned a first-round bye and will play on Wednesday. Kalani hosts the Leilehua-Kaimuki winner.

Sumo rank: Komusubi.

15. Kahuku Red Raiders (9-9, 8-2 OIA East)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 20.
Last week’s games
W 38-34 McKinley 01/09 OIA
Vs. Top 10: 1-5.
Top 10 wins: Kalani.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): @ Sacred Hearts, @ Kamehameha, @ Maryknoll, @ Konawaena, Lahainaluna, Kaiser*, @ Moanalua*.

Skinny: The Lady Raiders may be one of the youngest teams in the OIA, but they earned No. 1 seed out of the East. They have a bye today and will host the Campbell-McKinley winner on Wednesday. It’s a good position to be in. The loser on Wednesday still has a shot at a state-tournament berth. The winner advances to the OIA semifinals. That would be amazing stuff for a team that is led by underclassmen.

Sumo rank: Komusubi.

16. Mid-Pacific Owls (8-12, 2-8 ILH)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 10.
Last week’s games
L 54-49 @ #5 ‘Iolani 01/09 ILH
L 68-64 Sacred Hearts 01/11 ILH
L 54-30 #2 Kamehameha 01/13 ILH
Vs. Top 10: 3-8.
Top 10 wins: @ Waiakea, @ Punahou, Punahou.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): @ Moanalua*, Konawaena, Hilo*, Kamehameha-Hawaii*, Maryknoll, @ Sacred Hearts, ‘Iolani, @ Kamehameha, @ ‘Iolani, Sacred Hearts, Kamehameha.

Skinny: The Owls aren’t exactly surging right now, but the 0-3 run last week wasn’t as bad as it seems on paper. First, ‘Iolani is playing fantastic basketball especially with the addition of Taylor Wu. Second, Sacred Hearts and MPI have been in similar positions of the Top 10 all season long. Two quality teams. Third, Kamehameha is Kamehameha. They’ve got immense talent and depth, so a lopsided loss isn’t a big deal. A perfect game by the Owls and yes, they might beat Kamehameha. All that matters now is the upcoming ILH D-I playoffs.

Sumo rank: Sekiwake.

17. Kamehameha-Hawaii Warriors (11-2, 6-2 BIIF)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 16.
Last week’s games
W 49-31 @ Keaau 01/10 BIIF
W 45-37 @ Kohala 01/13 BIIF
Vs. Top 10: 1-1.
Top 10 wins: Mid-Pacific.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): @ Honokaa*, Waiakea.

Skinny: Still largely untested in terms of statewide elite level, but within D-II? This is definitely a state title contender. KS-Hawaii is one of the few teams to beat HBA.

Sumo rank: Sekiwake.

18. Punahou Buffanblu (9-9, 1-8 ILH)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 14.
Last week’s games: None.
L 69-37 @ #5 ‘Iolani 01/12 ILH
L 60-26 @ #1 Maryknoll 01/13 ILH
Vs. Top 10: 2-10.
Top 10 wins: Lahainaluna, @ Sacred Hearts.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): St. Francis, Maryknoll, Kamehameha, Sacred Hearts, @ Mid-Pacific, ‘Iolani, Mid-Pacific, @ Sacred Hearts, @ ‘Iolani, @ Maryknoll.

Skinny: It’s all about perspective. The Buffanblu have struggled in ILH D-I, yet were 8-1 in nonconference games, mostly against OIA D-I teams that are in the playoffs now. The future hasn’t arrived yet for Punahou, but is there a starting place for the next three years? The Buffanblu could be a spoiler and sleeper in the playoffs, especially with Tanisha Elbourne back. But beyond this season, six freshmen led by 6-foot-4 Tama Fonoti make this a promising team.

Sumo rank: Komusubi.

19. Radford Rams (9-6, 8-2 OIA West)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 27.
Last week’s games
W 44-43 Campbell 01/09 OIA
Vs. Top 10: 1-4.
Top 10 wins: Campbell.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Punahou, Lahainaluna, Maryknoll, Kamehameha, @ Mililani*, @ Waianae.

Skinny: If there’s any team close to a mystery, the Lady Rams might be that team. They won five in a row during OIA West play, then lost at Waianae before beating Campbell.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

20. Leilehua Mules (8-4, 7-3 OIA West)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 13.
Last week’s games: None
Vs. Top 10: 1-0.
Top 10 wins: Campbell.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Punahou II*, Kaimuki*, Mililani*, @ Radford*, Kapolei*.

Skinny: Interim head coach Conrad Shidaki and staff have the Lady Mules on a seven-game win streak after opening OIA West play 0-3. Shidaki is a former standout player who was on the boys staff when Elroy Dumlao first began coaching at Leilehua (JV boys). Dumlao later took over the girls varsity program and success followed. Dumlao said he’s taking a break to recharge. Having a veteran coach and staff to take over was a tremendous factor for the Mules. They host Kaimuki tonight in the opening round of the OIA D-I playoffs. The winner goes to Kalani on Wednesday.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

21. Campbell Sabers (13-5, 7-3 OIA West)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 15.
Last week’s games
L 44-43 @ Radford 01/09 OIA West
Vs. Top 10: 1-2.
Top 10 wins: Lahainaluna.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Hawaii Baptist, @ Konawaena, Leilehua*, Mililani*, @ Radford*.

Skinny: The Sabers are the West 4 and play East 5 McKinley tonight to stay alive. Winner travels to Kahuku tomorrow.

Sumo rank: Sekiwake.

22. Kaiser Cougars (10-9, 7-3 OIA East)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 24.
Last week’s games
W 46-30 Farrington 01/09 OIA
Vs. Top 10: 1-5.
Top 10 wins: @ Kahuku.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Lahainaluna, Maryknoll, Mid-Pacific, Kamehameha-Hawaii*, Punahou, Kamehameha-Maui*, Kalani, @ Moanalua*, McKinley*.

Skinny: The Lady Cougars host Nanakuli tonight. The winner will play at West 1 Mililani on Wednesday. The loser is pau for the season.

Sumo rank: Komusubi. Promotion earned.

23. Kaimuki Bulldogs (10-9, 6-4 OIA East)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 25.
Last week’s games
W 50-28 @ Kailua 01/09 OIA East
Vs. Top 10: 0-3.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Kamehameha, @ Hawaii Baptist, ‘Iolani II*, Hilo*, Konawaena, @ Kalani, Kahuku*, @ McKinley*, Kaiser*.

Skinny: The Bulldogs finished the regular season with three wins in their last four games. They travel to Leilehua tonight with nothing to lose as the East 6. The winner plays at Kalani on Wednesday.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

24. Roosevelt Rough Riders (8-8, 6-4 OIA East)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 22.
Last week’s games: None
Vs. Top 10: 0-2.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): @ Campbell, @ Radford*, Waiakea, Kamehameha-Maui*, Kaiser*, Kahuku*, @ Kalani, Kaimuki*.

Skinny: The Rough Riders open the OIA D-II playoffs with a bye as the East 1. They host the Pearl City-Kalaheo winner on Wednesday. The top three OIA teams will qualify for the state tourney, which means a win in Wednesday’s semifinal round would secure a state berth for Roosevelt.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

25. McKinley Tigers (12-8, 6-4 OIA East)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 23.
Last week’s games
Vs. Top 10: 0-5.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Kamehameha, Punahou, Sacred Hearts, St. Francis, Kalani*, @ Farrington*, Roosevelt*, Kahuku.

Skinny: There is virtually little to no difference between most OIA girls basketball teams. While Roosevelt has a good chance of qualifying for the D-II state tourney, a team that had the same league record (6-4) like McKinley has a tough road ahead to reach the D-I state tournament. The Lady Tigers could do it, though, because the OIA has so much parity this season. The Lady Tigers play at Campbell tonight in the opening round of the D-I playoffs. The winner goes to Kahuku on Wednesday.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

26. Honokaa Dragons (5-8, 5-3 BIIF)
Pupule ranking last week: Unranked.
Last week’s games
W 51-22 @ Ka‘u 01/10 BIIF
L 64-24 #3 Konawaena 01/12 BIIF
Vs. Top 10: 0-4.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Campbell, Waiakea, Waiakea, @ Hilo*, Konawaena.

Skinny: A turning point may have come over Christmas season for the Lady Dragons. On Dec. 16, they lost to Waiakea by 37 points. Eleven days later, they lost by just 11. Later, the Dragons edged KS-Hawaii 29-28 at home. They still struggle against the BIIF’s best D-I teams, but they have dominated everyone else in the BIIF.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

27. Nanakuli Golden Hawks (9-12, 6-4 OIA West)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 32.
Last week’s games
L 38-19 @ #8 Mililani 01/09 OIA
Vs. Top 10: 0-6.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Hawaii Baptist, Kapolei*, @ Kamehameha, @ Kaiser*, @ Moanalua*, Kapolei*, Punahou, @ Kalani, Radford*, @ Campbell, Leilehua*, @ Mililani.

Skinny: The Golden Hawks travel across Oahu to play Kaiser in the opening round of the D-I playoffs tonight. The winner goes to Mililani on Wednesday. Best player in program history? I’d rank Maricris Sierra in the top 3 for sure.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

28. Kapolei Hurricanes (13-6, 6-4 OIA West)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 35.
Last week’s games
W 43-29 Waianae 01/09 OIA West
Vs. Top 10: 0-2.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Roosevelt*, St. Francis, Nanakuli*, @ Campbell, Mililani*, @ Radford*.

Skinny: Well, after a topsy-turvy season, the ‘Canes reached the playoffs and it’s a clean slate now. As the West 5, they play at East 4 Moanalua tonight in a battle two talented teams that have been hot and cold. Both teams happen to be hot right now.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

29. Kamehameha-Maui Warriors (8-6, 5-5 MIL D-I)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 17.
Last week’s games
L 39-30 Maui 01/10 MIL
L 53-59 #4 Lahainaluna 01/13 MIL
Vs. Top 10: 0-4.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): @ Lahainaluna, Kamehameha, @ Lahainaluna, @ Maui*, Maui*, Lahainaluna.

Skinny: The Maui Sabers have trouble with every team except Baldwin, and apparently, KS-Maui. It’s like kryptonite for the Warriors.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

30. King Kekaulike Na Alii (6-6, 5-5 MIL D-I)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 29.
Last week’s games
W 33-31 @ Baldwin 01/10 MIL
W 65-49 Maui 01/13 MIL
Vs. Top 10: 0-3.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Kapolei*, Lahainaluna, @ Lahainaluna, Kamehameha-Maui*, Lahainaluna, @ Kamehameha-Maui*.

Skinny: A 60-44 win over Kamehameha II and a thick list of wins over Baldwin (twice) and Maui (twice) lift Na Alii smidge higher.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

31. Kamehameha II Warriors (11-8, 7-2 ILH D-II)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 26.
Last week’s games: None.
L 56-32 @ #9 Hawaii Baptist 01/10 ILH D-II
W 60-31 @ La Pietra 01/12 ILH D-II
Vs. Top 10: 0-3.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): King Kekaulike*, @ Campbell, Kapolei*, Mid-Pacific, @ Kaiser*, Kamehameha-Hawaii*, St. Francis, @ Hawaii Baptist.

Skinny: With losses to King Kekaulike, Campbell, Kapolei, Mid-Pacific, Kaiser, Ks-Hawaii, St. Francis and Hawaii Baptist, the D-II Warriors appear to be the threshold team at this spot beyond the top 30.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

32. Keaau Cougars (5-7, 3-4 BIIF)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 31.
Last week’s games
L 49-31 Kamehameha-Hawaii 01/10 BIIF
W 51-24 Kealakehe 01/12 BIIF
Vs. Top 10: 0-3.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): @ Waiakea, Hawaii Baptist, Konawaena, @ Konawaena.

Skinny: The Cougars have road wins over Maui and Baldwin on their ledger, and gave HBA a battle (34-26).

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

33. Maui Sabers (4-6, 4-5 MIL)
Pupule ranking last week: No. 30.
Last week’s games
W 39-30 @ Kamehameha-Maui 01/10 MIL
L 65-49 @ King Kekaulike 01/13 MIL

Vs. Top 10: 0-1.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): King Kekaulike*, Keaau*, @ Kamehameha-Maui*, Lahainaluna, King Kekaulike*, @ King Kekaulike*.

Skinny: One of the most unpredictable teams in the state.

Sumo rank: Maegashira.

34. ‘Iolani II Raiders (6-5, 5-3 ILH D-II)
Pupule ranking last week: Unranked.
Last week’s games
W 32-29 @ University 01/13 ILH D-II (Klum Gym)
Vs. Top 10: 0-2.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Kauai*, Moanalua*, Kamehameha II*, @ Hawaii Baptist, St. Francis.

Skinny: The D-II Raiders are clearly at the tier below Kamehameha II, Kauai, Moanalua — teams they’ve lost to. But they’re one of the best in this tier with wins over Kaimuki, La Pietra, Hanalani, Damien, Punahou II and University.

Sumo rank: Juryo.

35. Farrington Governors (5-9, 4-6 OIA East)
Pupule ranking last week: Unranked.
Last week’s games
Vs. Top 10: 0-4.
Top 10 wins: None.
Losses (Non-Top 10*): Punahou, Sacred Hearts, ‘Iolani, @ Kahuku*, Kalani, @ Moanalua*, Roosevelt*, @ Kaiser.

Skinny: Is it fair to say that the Lady Governors are one of the top 12 teams in OIA Division I? Yes. It’s not a stretch. The East is still a tad bit stronger. But it’s also telling that with so much parity in the league, Farrington still struggled enough to miss the playoffs. Especially with powerhouses like Kahuku fielding a roster with so many young players.

Sumo rank: Juryo.

# # #

On the cusp
Christian Academy Patriots (8-1, 7-1 ILH D-III)
> Lost to St. Andrew’s last week.

St. Andrew’s Pride (6-2, 6-2 ILH D-II)

Seabury Hall Spartans (10-3, 7-1 MIL D-II)
> Lost to Molokai last week.

Le Jardin Bulldogs (6-8, 6-5 ILH D-II)
> Beat Damien twice, lost to University, defeated Punahou II 36-35.